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Complementary Therapies That Help My Psoriasis: Sharon's Story

Sharon Kelly has had psoriasis for 20 years. Find out how daily complementary therapy helps her to control psoriasis and keep stress in check.

Meditation isn’t just for monks or people who have hours to spare each day: Sharon Kelly, 53, meditates each morning for 15 minutes and ends each day with a guided meditation exercise — not only for peace of mind, but as a complementary therapy to help her psoriasis.

Kelly says these practices help her stay focused and reduce stress. “I have more clarity and a better understanding of what’s important,” she says. “It’s really about being nicer to myself.”

Kelly, who certifies child care centers for the state of Colorado, was diagnosed with psoriasis about 20 years ago. She also has high blood pressure and knows that staying calm will help her mind, skin, and body.

That's essential because while psoriasis causes red, scaly patches usually on the elbows, knees, and scalp, it runs more than skin deep. University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people with psoriasis were at risk of having at least one additional major medical condition, and that this risk increases based on the severity of psoriasis. Their findings were published in the October 2013 issue of JAMA Dermatology.

Trying Complementary Therapies as Part of Psoriasis Treatment

Kelly saw a handful of doctors about her psoriasis early on but became frustrated because the steroid creams she was routinely prescribed seemed to only make her condition worse. She decided to look into complementary therapies and is thrilled with what daily meditation has brought for her. She's also made changes to her diet.

Kelly’s doctor, Cammi Balleck, PhD, a naturopathic doctor in Steamboat Springs, Colo., and the author of "Happy: The New Sexy," says complementary therapies can play an important role in psoriasis treatment.

“Massage can help lower levels of stress hormones and boost productive endorphins, which can help with the pain of psoriasis,” Dr. Balleck says. There's no reason you can't enjoy the benefits of massage because of your psoriasis. If you have areas that are sore and tender, tell the massage therapist when you make the appointment. “Also ask what essential oils and lotions may be used because some can be irritating to your skin,” she says.

Putting Complementary Therapies to Work for You

Massage, yoga, and meditation can all help lower stress levels, which is important because stress is known to exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. As many as 78 percent of people with psoriasis say stress affects their skin condition, according to a study in a 2011 issue of Skin Therapy Letter.

But remember that complementary therapies should be only one aspect of your total psoriasis treatment. “Meditation and massage are of complementary value when used as an addition to traditional treatment, not as stand-alone therapies for psoriasis,” says George Martin, MD, a dermatologist in Kihei, Hawaii. “People with psoriasis have a systemic, or whole-body, disease and higher incidence of metabolic disorders such as heart disease and high blood pressure. So they must take a whole-body approach to their psoriasis treatment.”

If you also have psoriatic arthritis, Dr. Martin suggests the low-impact movements of tai chi and yoga to maintain strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. Acupuncture and acupressure to relieve joint discomfort and swelling are other complementary additions to traditional treatment to consider, he says.

Complementary therapies can be a great way to round out your psoriasis treatment. Try the ones that appeal to you the most, and see which helps your psoriasis symptoms and overall health.

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